<p>I know this may sound like a stupid question but I just don't know the answer.</p>
<p>If I live in NYC within commuting distance of Columbia, and am a candidate for financial aid, would Columbia still include the costs of room and board in the financial aid? I mean, can they just say that since I live in NYC I could commute and then not cover the costs of room and board? I wouldn't be able to pay for the room and board and my parents definitely wouldn't either as they'd rather have me stay home.</p>
<p>I really really want to live on campus, not in my house.</p>
<p>99% of freshman -- including the NYC kiddies -- live on campus. Don't worry about it. They expect you to live on campus, and don't screw with your financial aid.</p>
<p>
[quote]
They'll make you pay the same amount regardless of your living situation. Just to reiterate what Columbia2002 said.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>no this isn't what C02 said nor is it right. If you live at home you don't have to pay room and board so you wouldnt be paying the same amount regardless of living situation. If you indicate on your app that you will be staying on campus (as you should) they will include the cost of room and board in your financial aid calculations....however, if you subsequently get out of campus housing they will remove the cost of rooming from your financial aid calculation.</p>
<p>Metsfan is right in a sense. Assume the following numbers:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>attendance costs $40,000: $5,000 for housing and $35,000 for everything else</p></li>
<li><p>your estimated family contribution is $20,000</p></li>
</ul>
<p>If you live on campus, your "need" is $20,000 ($40,000totalcost-$20,000 EFC). You pay the other $20,000.</p>
<p>If you live off campus, your "need" is $15,000 ($35,000totalcost-$20,000 EFC). You pay the other $20,000.</p>